Interested in welding trade

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Im interested in welding for a living because I always see job ads for welders and would probley have good job security. I took a MIG welding class when i was going to school for automotive and passed the class.From what I see in the paper, Fluxcore and stick welders are in demand. Mostly Shipyards are hiring for these positions and require you to take their welding test.I Have access to a stick welder and a mig welder which i can convert to fluxcore. Is this something i can practice for a few months on my own and then go pay a few dollars to take a certifacation test or do i need to save up 6-7.5k and take a 10week welding course.Thanks for the help
Reply:Welcome to the trade.First lesson: you have taken your first step into a larger world. -- Obi WanSecond lesson: you will die before exploring all of this world.Personally, I think the more you invest in your education in this field, the faster you will become proficient in a particular process.  You should also consider longer welding courses at local community colleges, as some of them can be very thorough and really give you a solid foundation to get into some of the higher paying positions.I make my bread and butter with stick welding in the steel erection business, and this type of work is governed largely by what's referred to as the American Welding Society (AWS) D1.1 welding code.  Google AWS D1.1 and you'll find lots of info.  I'm sure there are a lot of good jobs to be had with MIG/FC welding processes, just not around where I live.  Most of the MIG jobs pay 10-12 bucks an hour for pulling the trigger all day on prefab parts in an assembly line setting-- not exactly my cup of tea.  Being an ironworker, I make twice that hourly plus a good deal more in overtime, but the work is also more physically demanding, and I know that ten years from now I'm not going to want to throw deck down all day in the hot sun.Welding to those starting out can really seem like a dead-end profession with crap for pay.  Become proficient in everything you come across, and the better paying opportunities will open up.Since you are starting out, you may also want to look into your local United Association plumbers/pipefitters union.  That's the direction I'm headed in.